WASHINGTON — The United States is on the brink of major, long-awaited innovations in making travel safer and more facilitated. Ongoing work from the Commission on Seamless and Safe Travels and the U.S. Travel Association says these developments will improve the country's ability to compete more aggressively for global travelers and reverse a slow recovery as other nations gain ground.
Now is the time for U.S. authorities to step up and deploy the tools available at U.S. airports and borders to safely welcome millions of new entrants. With the World Cup, Summer Olympics and other milestone events on the horizon, major events of the decade are just around the corner. To fully reap the benefits of being a host nation, we must be prepared to efficiently and safely process millions of travelers. “U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Jeff Freeman
During a visit to the UK last week, the Committee on Seamless and Safe Travels, chaired by former Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Kevin McAleenan, discussed travel modernization efforts with representatives from UK airports, airlines and the US government. Committee members met with leaders of London Heathrow Airport, as well as officials from Gatwick Airport, Edinburgh Airport, Virgin Atlantic Airways, International Airlines Group, British Airways, and senior officials from the US Embassy in London.
The Committee on Seamless and Safe Travel and the U.S. Travel Association conducted an on-site visit to Heathrow Airport. — Source: U.S. Travel Association
Preparing for the next generation of innovation
The United States is building effective partnerships with counterparts in the United Kingdom and other allies to advance major innovations in travel security and facilitation. Key initiatives requiring Federal action cited by Committee members include:
Eliminating restrictive levels for liquids and related items in carry-on baggage; Expanding the One-Stop Security Initiative to allow passengers arriving in the U.S. at select international airports and their baggage to avoid duplicate screening when boarding a connecting flight; Modernizing pre-screening at designated foreign airports to screen travelers before they arrive in the U.S.; Leveraging biometrics to enhance security, improve the passenger experience, and protect privacy, from visa processing to customs inspections to passenger screening; Reforming the U.S. visitor visa process to accommodate increased demand for travel to the U.S.
Each of these steps adds security and makes your trip more convenient.
Earlier this year, a Euromonitor International study ranked the U.S. 17th out of 18 major countries in global travel competitiveness. In response to this study, the Commission was formed with the goal of understanding how the U.S. can more effectively compete for global travelers and to develop a vision and policy recommendations to modernize the travel experience, increase U.S. competitiveness, and foster growth.
Freeman said the committee's important work is nearing the midpoint, with security-based solutions coming into clear focus to provide the United States with a roadmap to best-in-class traveler safety measures and increase the share of travelers from the United States.
The committee's report on seamless and safe travel is expected to be presented to lawmakers and government officials in Washington this fall.
About U.S. Travel Association
US Travel Association is a national nonprofit representing the $1.3 trillion travel industry, a vital contributor to America's economy and success. US Travel develops programs, insights and advocates for policies to increase travel to and within the United States. Visit ustravel.org for information and recovery-related data.
Greg Staley
United States Travel Association
